Virgin Wine Club Review
Welcome back to Wine Turtle's series reviewing wine by mail clubs. We're trying all the clubs so that you don't have to! From high end clubs for experts to affordable clubs for those newer to wine, we've joined, tasted, researched and discussed these clubs in order to provide the best information to you. Today you are reading our Virgin Wine Club review.
Virgin Wine Club is brought to you by the same company as Virgin Mobile and Virgin Air. The club is very simple and only requires one choice. After that members get quarterly deliveries of a case for the same price each month.
From price and options to support and the website we'll help you navigate the features of Virgin Wine Club to figure out whether or not this is the club for you or for the wine lover in your life.
Detailed Review of Virgin Wine Club
Price
Quality
Support
Educational Value
We liked
- Very affordable.
- No repeats.
- Available in 30 states and D.C.
- No fees.
We didn't like
- Bait and switch introductory offer.
- No option for exceptional bottles.
- Website is lacking.
Summary: Virgin presents a club like many other clubs run by non-wine companies. The initial 15 bottle offer for about $6 per bottle followed by quarterly shipments of 12 bottles at a per bottle price of $13.33. These prices include shipping in the calculation -- so they truly are a good price. Of course, you get what you pay for and while there are decent wines in this price range, considering that they include shipping it's no surprise that the wines are lower tier. That said, this is a good option for someone new to wine clubs with a limited budget, who doesn't drink much,
About Virgin Wine Club
While probably not on your radar, as this isn't a club that has taken social media by storm, don't discount Virgin Wine Club -- it can be a good option for certain types of wine drinkers. The club sends a case (12 bottles) of wine to its members every three months for 48 bottles a year. Members can receive all red, all white, or mixed shipments and no matter which they select the price is always the same: $139.99 plus $19.99 for shipping for a total of $158.98 before state taxes are added. This means each bottle is less than $15.
There isn't a taste test or survey prior to starting shipments although the club does state on its website that you can tell them your preferences. The only ones found on the website, though, are options for red, white and mixed.
The club does not focus on a particular style or region but instead sends wines from its shop. Members therefore receive wines from all over the world and many different varietals and blends. Members may reorder from the Virgin Wines online shop and do receive occasional discount offers via email.
Virgin Wine Club sends tasting notes for each wine in each case so that members can learn more about particular styles, and climates.
Don't miss our other popular wine club guides:
What Does Membership Get Me?
- Quarterly shipments of twelve unique bottles in your choice of red, white, or mixed.
- Tasting notes for each wine.
- Flat rate shipping of $19.99.
- Discounts offered via email.
Take Note: We suggest that members at the Explorations level at least start by getting one red and one white. We're always tempted to skip white options but why miss exposure to new wines?
Show Me The Money!
Virgin Wine Club is a packaged club - you can find several of these online and they are usually offered by larger companies that don't generally deal in wine. Don't be confused by their front page - the real deal on pricing is below!
- The INTRODUCTORY offer is 15 bottles for $69.99 plus $19.99. This is NOT the regular price.
- The regular price for the club is $139.99 plus $19.99 for shipping. This does not include taxes, which vary by location.
- No membership or cancellation fees.
- No obligation.
Read The Fine Print: Many times people see the initial page for a wine club like Virgin and think they will always get the same deal, or go down to 12 bottles from 15 but keep the price. You will pay at least $160 for each shipment (depending on your state's taxes) after your first and receive 12 bottles.
Things We Like
The Perfect Introduction - Virgin Wine Club is an excellent option for those who are new to wine, students, or wine drinkers on a budget. Even after the introductory shipment, wine is very affordable. Because there are tasting notes included new drinkers can also learn some basics about wine.
12 Unique Bottles - We at Wine Turtle love a club that doesn't send repeat bottles which is great especially with a club that sends a case. Add to this their guarantee that you'll never have to keep a bottle you don't like and you're guaranteed a good selection.
Availability - Some day the U.S. will have shipping of alcohol to every state but for now, we're happy to report that Virgin Wine Club ships to 30 states and the District of Columbia. This is not a decision by Virgin Wine Club but a state's right. Want to get it in your state? Talk to your elected state leaders and get it on their radar!
No Fees - Members don't pay to join or belong to Virgin Wine Club, don't have any obligation to stay a member and also not to cancel their membership.
Things We Don't Like
The Packaged Club Bait and Switch - Like all of these wine clubs not run by wine professionals but non-wine companies, it's the same package deal that sucks members in with the allure of 15 bottles for a ridiculously low price and then drops to twelve bottles for a more moderate price. The price is still good, but just put the real price front and center, please.
No Option For Better Wines - While great for beginners, students, and budget drinkers, this club will not attract or satisfy wine drinkers with more than a cursory knowledge of and experience with wine. The wines are very cheap, which doesn't mean bad, but does mean that a significant selection of the wine offerings of the world is not available.
The Website is Lacking -The website is simply a generic single page until you become a member which means that you cannot get access to information necessary for making an educated decision about joining the club. Also, if you put in your information and then decide not to purchase you'll get contacted about joining.
The Verdict
While we would not recommend this club to anyone with experience in wine, this is a great option for grad students, new professionals, budget drinkers, or people who want a steady amount of wine in the house and don't want to shop. That way if people are over or the mood strikes, it's available. The tasting notes provide a limited education and introduction to wine but many will grow out of the club quickly. This is not a great club for more advanced drinkers.
